Abstract: Cults are a topic that is particularly misunderstood by the public. Some sociologists (Zablocki & Robbins, 2001) have argued that individuals who join cults are unfairly stigmatized as bizarre or potentially violent in newspapers, television shows, books, and films. However, previous research (Goldberg et al., 2017) has shown that former cult members are actually vulnerable individuals who often require support as they exit their groups, experiencing challenges such as shame, dissociation, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, and self-destructive tendencies.

This study examined whether former cult members frequently accessed media about cults and whether that exposure was significantly related to their symptoms of distress and well-being. It is the first known study to investigate whether the perception of biased or unfair media coverage about cults plays a role in survivors’ well-being. The research included the development and use of a new Media Exposure Scale specifically focused on the coverage of cults.

Key findings from a sample of former cult members (N = 84) indicated that the more exposure participants had to media about cults, the more negative feelings they developed about themselves and their sense of well-being, particularly in relation to personal growth, self-acceptance, and relationships with others. However, no significant relationship was found between media exposure and levels of psychological distress.

One possible explanation for these findings is that media depictions of cults often carry stigmatizing narratives, which former members may internalize, leading to reduced self-perception and well-being. These results suggest that education campaigns aimed at media professionals—particularly from psychologists and cult recovery experts—could help promote more ethical portrayals of cults and their former members.

Further research is needed to validate the new Media Exposure Scale and to replicate these findings with a larger and more diverse population in order to better understand the role media depictions play in the recovery and long-term well-being of former cult members.